We are now inside the final month of NBA regular season basketball and the battle for the remaining playoff spots in the Western Conference is fierce. We’ve analysed the key matches coming up on Thursday and provided our NBA betting tips for the 29th of March, 2018.
New York Knicks At Philadelphia 76ers (1AM AEDT)
The Knicks have been fairly competitive lately without getting results, which the front office would secretly be pretty happy with. However, they will travel to Philadelphia on Thursday to take on the red hot Sixers. The Knicks are one of the worst road teams in the league at just 9-30 for the season and 16-23 ATS.
The 76ers have been on fire since the All-Star break and look ready to make some noise in the post-season. They are currently the fourth seed in the East, but have a real chance at passing the Cavs in third position. Markelle Fultz made a successful return from injury in their most recent outing, posting 10 points and 8 assists in 14 minutes game time. The Sixers are 25-11 and 24-12 ATS at home this season.
We are backing the Sixers to put the Knicks to bed early in this one, with a potential of a big blowout.
TIP: Philadelphia 76ers at the line (-12.5) - $1.90 at CrownBet
Los Angeles Clippers At Phoenix Suns (1PM AEDT)
The Clippers are one of the teams who are fighting it out for a playoff spot in the stacked Western Conference. Although undermanned, they have been more than competitive since the All-Star break and find themselves with a real chance of some post-season action. They are on the second night of a back-to-back, but come up against the Phoenix Suns, who have the worst record in the league.
The Suns are clearly in tank mode now and are resting their best players in a bid to attain the number 1 pick in this year’s draft. They have been getting blown out regularly, regardless if they are home or away and don’t look like curving the trend anytime soon. With just 7 games left for the Suns the seasons end couldn’t come any quicker.
We are going to take full advantage of the generous line the bookies have given us here. Clippers to cover is almost a lock.
TIP: Los Angeles Clippers at the line (-6.5) - $1.95 at Sportsbet
Dallas Mavericks At Los Angeles Lakers (1:30PM AEDT)
Our final tip of the day will come in the Western Conference duel between the Mavs and the Lakers. The Mavs have been OK lately and are coming off a win against a fellow struggling team in the Kings. Like the Suns, the Mavs are looking forward to seasons end and aren’t desperate for any type of immediate success.
The Lakers aren’t in the playoff race, nor are they tanking. They are without a first round pick in the upcoming draft, which means the team has no reason to actively try to lose games. Their young players are trying to prove themselves and are putting up a good fight on MOST nights. The Lakers are 18-16 at home this season and will be looking to add to that on Thursday.
We are taking the Lakers to cover the small line against the Mavs. They have a superior roster and are actually trying to win games, which is enough for us to be confident in this one.
TIP: Los Angeles Lakers at the line (-5.5) - $1.91 at Ladbrokes
